Leaf Collection

View Fall 2025 Loose Leaf Pickup Schedule/Map

The City is moving up its start date for loose-leaf pick up by two weeks! 

Starting Monday, October 20, City trucks will start their routes, picking up piles of leaves that residents rake onto tree lawns. Just as in year’s past, pick-up routes will be grouped by neighborhoods. A map will be posted on the city website that will be updated weekly with color-coded information indicating the date when leaf pick up on your street is Expected, In-Progress, and/or Completed.

Residents are asked to place their loose leaves in piles on the tree lawn area between the street and the sidewalk in advance of their scheduled collection week. Leaves should not be placed in the street as it is illegal to do and you could be cited. Leaves can create flooding situations by blocking curb inlets, and can create slippery road conditions which could pose a potential threat to motorists.

Kraft bags will be collected from May through October. Kraft bags should only contain yard waste. 

• Leaves and yard waste will NOT be collected in plastic bags.
• Brush, tree and hedge trimmings must be cut and tied into bundles not more than four feet in length and two feet in diameter in order to be collected on your regularly scheduled trash pickup day. Brush that is too large to be tied into bundles can be picked up for an additional charge; arrangements must be made in advance by calling the Utilities Department at 216-291-5995 or complete the Bulk Pickup/Loose Brush Request Form.

Larger Yard Debris Preparation

• Brush, tree and hedge trimmings must be cut and tied securely into bundles no larger than four feet in length and two feet in diameter. 
  • Size limitation is established in the interest of employee safety and is strictly enforced.
• Christmas trees should be placed on the tree lawn for the regular collection. These items must be completely removed:
  • Lights
  • Metal Stands
  • Nails
  • Ornaments
  • Plastic bags
• Leaves and brush must be kept in separate piles on the tree lawn.
  • Combined piles cannot be collected.
• Logs: Cut no more than 18 inches in length and 6 inches in diameter and stacked

Frequently Asked Questions

Locate answers to common questions regarding the City’s yard debris collection services

Special Requests

Loose brush and cut loose branches may be picked between May and November by requesting a special pickup if there is truck availability and enough man power to do the job. You must get permission prior to putting out the special pickup from the Sanitation Department Supervisor who reserves the right to charge depending on how large the special pickup is. When the service is unavailable then all yard waste must be bagged or tied in bundles, neither weighing more than 40 lbs. and branches no longer than 4 feet.

Please call the Public Works Department at 216-691-7300 to make arrangements for collection.

Improper Packaging

Yard debris will not be collected if packaged in:

• Plastic Bags
• Cardboard Boxes
• Animal Feed
• Other Food Bags

Weight Limits

Bags may weight no more than 40 pounds each. Weight limitations are established in the interest of employee safety and are strictly enforced. 

Snow Impacts & Considerations

• If snow begins to fall during the loose leaf collection season, it becomes nearly impossible to maintain the collection schedule. 
• The same workers and many of the same vehicles collecting leaves are used for snow and ice control. 
• If snow completely covers the leaves, they cannot be collected. 
• A light snow or rain will greatly reduce the efficiency of the leaf collection operation.

Leaf Considerations

• It is illegal to burn leaves in the City of Cleveland Heights.